Don't buy normal trousers belts, instead buy elastic belts which can last literally for life
(i5.walmartimages.com)
Best advice is to learn how to identify real leather vs laminated shit. Once you can tell by sight, smell, feel you can thrift great items. Also going to markets and craft fairs, you can stumble across artisan leather makers (but even then you gotta make sure they are using quality products)